DIY Gifts

My dear friend, Lindsey, just had twins, so of course I couldn’t wait to snuggle them. I mean seriously, look how cute these two are!

Having just been through becoming a new mom myself last year, I wanted to bring her a little something to make the transition easier. I just had one, so I can only imagine two! I remember lots of people brought us delicious, homemade meals (for which I was so grateful), but I found myself in the middle of the day and even the middle of the night ravenously hungry and holding a newborn. The problem with this is many of those yummy meals in the fridge can’t be made and/or eaten one handed between what feels like the 800th nursing sesh of the day, diaper changes, naps, and cuddles. And if it can’t be eaten easily, it doesn’t get eaten! I remember my mom brought me a bag full of clementines (which I love!) and they sat on my counter uneaten because I needed another hand to peel them. Sad!

So for this new mama, I decided to put together a box of healthy, easy to eat foods that she can snack on when her hands are full. I picked stuff with plenty of protein and nutrients since those are so important for nursing, especially in those early days while establishing supply and healing from delivery.

During the holiday season you get so many sweets, so I thought I’d do something a little different this year — infused vodka! After all, you need something to wash down those Russian tea cakes and perfectly frosted sugar cookies with something, right? I was inspired on Pinterest, but changed it up a bit to try my own version (as I’m notorious for doing).

Don't they look so pretty steeping?

The hardest part is I couldn’t taste test until a week later when there was no going back. Luckily, it turned out great and there’s even a little extra for me to enjoy. These make great gifts or are perfect for serving at your holiday party. And as luck would have it, the fruit I picked are red and green. Here’s how to make this holiday cheer.

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{Cranberry Lime Infused Vodka}

4 cups vodka 16 ounces of cranberries 2 limes 4 tablespoons sugar

In an pitcher or large, lidded container add vodka and washed cranberries together. I used some airtight pitchers from Costco that I use in the summer for iced coffee. Let it sit for 6 days, shaking or mixing the contents 3-4 times per day. On the sixth day squeeze the juice of two limes in and then add the remaining lime halves and shake it up. Let steep for 1-2 more days. You don’t want the lime in as long or it will overpower the cranberry flavor. On the seventh or eighth day, pour the contents into a bowl through a cheesecloth and/or a strainer. I actually used both, putting the cheesecloth on top of a strainer so nothing would come through. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved. Pour into airtight bottles or jars and store in the refrigerator. This recipe was enough to fill two, two-cup bottles for gifts. I added the cranberries into the bottle to look pretty, but if you give as gifts, make sure to tell them to remove these after a couple weeks or it can make your mixture bitter.

{Apple Cinnamon Infused Vodka}

In an pitcher or large, lidded container add vodka and washed cranberries together. Let it sit for 7 days, shaking or mixing the contents 3-4 times per day. On the last day, pour the contents into a bowl through a cheesecloth and/or a strainer. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved. Pour into airtight bottles or jars and store in the refrigerator. This recipe made two, two-cup bottles for gifts, but you can divide however you like. I cut a new apple and added a new cinnamon stick into the bottle to look pretty, but again, if you give as a gift, make sure to tell them to remove these after a couple weeks so they don’t ferment.
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Wrap these up with some ribbon and a cute tag and they are good to go. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. Enjoy!